One memorable Saturday afternoon, my grown son stopped by to say hello.  He was agonizing over writing the Best Man's speech he was to give at the wedding of his dearest childhood friend. He did not want it to be just good; he wanted it to be exceptional----like their friendship. 

     Having sat through many wedding toasts, he told me he hated the default opening,  'Words cannot express'... 

     "People need to try harder, they need to find the right words."

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      Over the years, I read all of my children's school essays. From the plight of the manatee to the character flaws of Gatsby, I privately gushed over every word. I was allowed inside a world belonging solely to them, amassing hidden treasures revealed only in their words.  

       Though sometimes buried, withheld or requiring too much effort, we all have words inside of us -- words that can express, evoke, and explain thoughts, feelings and emotions. 

     Words are a gift never to be taken for granted.  

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     Reading his finished speech took me back to those school essays that provided me special insight into the unique inner workings of each of my children. 

     And while I learned a lot about my kids, I also learned something else about me. On that bittersweet day when I had no more school essays to read, I made a promise to myself-- to find my words and share them. 

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     With my children as my inspiration, I began my first story.  

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